| | Joined: Jun 2014 Posts: 1 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jun 2014 Posts: 1 | Hello. My husband has been recently diagnosed with oral cancer. I wonder if anyone has had any experience dealing with this condition through the University of Tennessee Medical Center? Does anyone have any information about Dr. Eric Carlson, Knoxville TN? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Tell us more about his diagnosis, etc. See everyone's Signature Line. That really helps us answer your questions. Sorry about his Dx but you have found the best site possible to get you both through this.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | hey there... maybe you can run a search for his name? My advice though, since it's oral cancer which can be highly aggressive, if Tennessee Medical center isn't a comprehensive cancer center, I would seek treatment at the closest CCC to you. Get a second opinion there. It's the best place to be when battling this disease. I am sure Christine will be along to post the CCC link.
Best of luck.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | Welcome to OCF! You have found the best source for info and support to help get you thru your husbands upcoming battle. Stick with us and we will help you with your husband every step of the way. As far as the doctor you mentioned, this site really cant recommend one doc over another. We can only suggest going to a major comprehensive cancer center (CCC) and seeking the best medical care you can. Below is a list of CCC's. They are the countries top hospitals to treat cancer. The CCC facilities all use a team based approach where the specialists get together so everyone is on the same page. If you cant get to a CCC, there is also a list of the top US hospitals. Look for a teaching hospital or university hospital. Find the best medical care you can and get a second opinion. CCC list US News Best Hospitals List There are so many appointments and tests to do before starting treatments. Your husband will want to see his dentist for a thorough check up and to make molds of his teeth to make flouride trays. Get it taken care of prior to starting radiation treatments. You also should have him get a full blood work up including thyroid and testosterone counts. His intake must become the main priority starting right now until at the very least he hits one year post rads anniversary. Every single day you should be taking in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. His body is compromised at this time so it burns calories at an incredible rate. During recovery you will need to rebuild your body so it needs extra calories to do so. This is something you cant skimp on. Not even for one day as it quickly turns into a downward spiraling cycle which ends with malnutrition and dehydration, both are not fun. Anyone who offers their assistance, take down their name and number. Tell them when the time comes when you need help you will let them know what they can do. Being a caregiver is a difficult job juggling so many things at once. You may need a hand with picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy, doing a load of laundry, helping you with light housekeeping or even driving him to treatments. Its a long road but you both will get thru it. Feel free to ask us any questions you might think of. We will help you as much as possible, you're family now. Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | Hi Icarey - I haven't posted here lately but I'm glad I did just now because I can answer your concerns. The University of Tennessee Medical Center is the hospital where my son, Paul was treated for his Oral Cancer 7 years ago. The first link below is from the USNews list of best hospitals: http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/tn/university-of-tennessee-medical-center-6520575This second link is the UTMedCtr's page on Dr. Eric Carlson: http://www.utmedicalcenter.org/doctor/194/eric-r-carlson-dmd-md/This will give you an idea of his education and experience. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Carlson. He is a Maxillofacial surgeon very experienced in his field. The Hospital's Cancer unit has a team approach and we met with them frequently. Everyone - including the different doctors and nurses and assistants were superb in their kindness and their treatment of my son. My son is doing fine now and has been cancer-free for 7+ years. Dr. Carlson is known as an "aggressive" doctor, meaning he is aggressive in his treatment because he wants to make sure his patients do not have recurrences. I live about 20 miles west of Knoxville and if you are in the Knoxville area, I would be happy to meet with you. Please just PM me and let me know if there is anything I can do to help. (just click on my name to the left of this box). Your husband is in good hands with Dr. Carlson. I am just so glad you found the Oral Cancer Foundation. There are so many wonderful, knowledgeable and compassionate people here who have been where you are and will help you and your husband get through this. Let us know how you are both doing.
Anne-Marie
CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
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